To the Victorian Rugby Community,
With all competitions across the state approaching the halfway point of the season and excitement building towards the upcoming British & Irish Lions tour of Australia, I wanted to provide our community with an update on several key matters.
We will look to provide these insights several times a year, keeping our community abreast of what is happening at Rugby Victoria. As part of our new strategic direction, to be released next week, we will be looking to engage and connect our community in our shared path forward.
The focus is on providing clarity, transparency and collaborative opportunities for our community to help our game grow and prosper. Included in this update is a survey we are asking all members of the community to complete.
CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
The first stage of the Centre of Excellence is scheduled for completion at the end of June. This includes the second field, grandstand and all concreting and fencing work around the facility. Both fields will be functional by October or November, providing Rugby with two quality fields for club and pathway use.
Unfortunately, funding for the next phase of the project (to complete the building) was not allocated in the recent state budget. The 2025 State Budget saw minimal investment in sport and sport infrastructure projects. We are working with Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV), La Trobe University and the State Government on finalising the funding allocation for this project.
Temporary change rooms and amenities will be placed on site to ensure the facility can be used for games, training and regional events in the short term. We will continue to keep the community updated on the progress of this project as more information becomes available.
STRATEGIC PLAN
The Rugby Victoria Strategic Plan is complete and will be released to the community on Tuesday 17 June 2025.
This document will underpin the direction of Rugby in Victoria for the next six years. Our key focus areas during this period are:
- Attract, Develop and Retain Participants
- Engage and Build Community Capabilities
- Deliver Brilliant Experiences
- Deliver Financial Sustainability
- Elevate Marketing and Communications
Thank you to the various members of our clubs and community who participated in the development of this document.
The strategic plan will drive the decision making, direction and purpose of the board and staff of Rugby Victoria over the coming years. Crucial to achieving this will be engagement and collaboration with the broader Rugby community across Victoria, bringing everyone together to allow the game in our state to grow and prosper.
ANNUAL REPORT
The 2024 Annual Report, including the 2024 Financials, is also complete and will be released following the Strategic Plan at the start of July. This will be available to all members of our community, across all of our media channels.
SEASON 2025
Following a number of forfeits and games with large margins, Rugby Victoria met with clubs a few weeks ago regarding the structure of the Dewar Shield for the remainder of 2025.
Clubs were given two weeks to review their current playing lists and had until today, Tuesday 10 June, to confirm if they wish to continue in 3rd Grade. All clubs confirmed their intention to continue and their belief they will finish the season. We will provide an update later this week on any changes that may occur in 3rd Grade.
In summary:
- The priority, outside of removing forfeits, is to ensure players get to play games in 3rd Grade, ensure adequate numbers in all senior men’s Dewar Shield matches, limit uncontested scrums and ensure 15-a-side rugby.
- Increasing competitiveness in 1st and 2nd Grade is also a desired outcome.
- Clubs will be given a suspended fine for forfeits, held over for the remainder of the season, should they withdraw from 3rd Grade.
- Removal of a 3rd Grade side will not see the club removed from the Dewar Shield.
- Should clubs confirm they intend to finish the season, they will be held accountable to the rules of the competition from Round 9.
- If clubs choose to withdraw, Rugby Victoria will re-fixture the 3rd Grade competition from the return fixtures (Round 10).
- Footscray have indicated they have enough numbers to enter a fourth side. Rugby Victoria will identify where this can be facilitated for the second half of the season, with a view to encouraging more team entries and participation.
COMPETITION REVIEW
Further to the potential restructure of 3rd Grade, the Rugby Victoria Board has ratified a full review of all competitions and competition structures in Victoria. This includes the Dewar Shield, 3rd Grade, Colts, Women’s and Juniors.
In line with our new strategic plan, Rugby Victoria will also review all aspects of our pathways, schools, entry-level programs (Get Into Rugby) and juniors.
This review will seek feedback from all members of the community. It will be conducted via survey, face-to-face meetings and town hall sessions to be held across metropolitan and regional Victoria.
This is a unique opportunity to set the direction of Rugby in Victoria from 2026 and beyond. We encourage everyone passionate about the game to engage in this process and help us identify a connected, collaborative and clear path forward.
COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
Below is a link to a survey where all members, supporters and stakeholders of Rugby in Victoria can provide feedback, suggestions and identify areas to improve and grow Rugby in Victoria.
We are committed to working with our community and participants to find the best path forward. Participants, clubs and players will be surveyed during the review and given the opportunity to provide input on how we can improve and make positive changes at the community level.
The survey is your opportunity to have your voice heard. In the coming weeks, we will hold an open forum that members of the community can attend to provide ideas, suggestions and feedback. Anyone who completes the survey will receive a direct invitation to this event (venue and time TBC).
All suggestions will be considered. Rugby Victoria is committed to engaging our community on how we can improve, and we welcome big ideas and constructive feedback to support the growth and success of our competitions. We ask that all feedback is solution-focused and includes your name and email address, as anonymous submissions will not be considered.
We are committed to working with our community on this key project and look forward to seeing you at Rugby throughout the test season and as our own season approaches its conclusion.
Aaron Bailey
Chief Executive Officer, Rugby Victoria
